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HTC One Mini Officially Announced

HTC today officially unveiled the HTC One Mini, the smaller sibling of its successful flagship model.

In terms of specs, the HTC One Mini has a 4.3-inch 720p display, 1.4GHz Snapdragon 400 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 1.6MP front cam and 4G connectivity wrapped in a mainly metallic body with a plastic frame keeping the front and back together.

That means it’s got a roughly similar look and feel to the HTC One, which is certainly a good thing in our book, and with vital statistics of 132 x 63.2 x 9.25mm and 122g it should fit nicely in your palm.

BlinkFeed also makes an appearance along with the new-look HTC Sense, the latest user-interface that HTC has skinned on top of Google’s Android operating system.

As with the flagship model, the HTC One Mini comes with dual front-facing speakers complete with BoomSound technology, plus there’s Dr Dre’s Beats Audio tech also embedded into the handset.

Storage, as mentioned above, is taken care of via 16GB (non-expandable) however for those worrying that might not be enough Dropbox, SkyDrive and other cloud storage solutions are all available via Google Play.

The Ultrapixel camera returns, but loses optical image stabilisation. However, it should still be capable of taking reasonable low-light images thanks to the sensor which is comprised of larger pixels than most smartphone cameras.

Mike Woodward, president of HTC North America, said customers have been asking for a smaller version of the HTC One since it launched in late April.

Release dates and pricing for the HTC One Mini will be announced closer to launch, but the phone will obviously cost less than the HTC One.

What do you guys think? Would you be open to buying this device? Let us know in the comments section below!

July 18, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Launched in India (Hands On)

Samsung today announced the introduction of the Galaxy Tab 3 311 (8-inch screen) and Galaxy Tab 3 211 (7-inch screen) in India. These tablets are a follow up to the popular Galaxy Tab 2 series. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 211 (7″) is priced at Rs. 17,745, Tab 3 311 (8″) at Rs. 25,725 and the Wi-Fi only Tab 3 310 (8″) at Rs. 21,945.

We went hands-on with the devices.

Specifications and Hardware :

The 7 inch Galaxy Tab 3 is powered by a 1.2 ghz dual core processor, supported with 1GB of RAM. The 7 inch screen has a 1024×600 panel with 169ppi density. There are 8GB and 16GB versions available, with a Micro SD card slot allowing additional storage up to 64GB. The tablet runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The 8 inch Galaxy Tab 3 is more powerful, featuring a 1.5ghz dual core processor with 1.5GB of RAM. It has a 5 MP rear camera and a 1.3 MP front facing camera. The screen is of a higher resolution at 1280×800. There are 32GB and 64GB versions available with another 64GB offered via the microSD card. The tablet has a 4,450mAh battery and runs Jelly Bean 4.2 with Wifi only and 3G versions.

Initial Impressions

The first thing that you will notice when you see the tablets is that they’re, as usual, of the same Samsung style design. However, the tablets are really slim and lightweight. The 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 has 7.4mm thickness and it really helps in somewhat easing one handed operation.

The design cues are the same though. Curved, rounded edges with a large display and a physical home button. Following the tradition, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 also has 2 touch capacitive buttons next to the home button.

You have a Galaxy S4 – type bezel running around the edge of the tablets, and the back panel has a glossy finish to it which, unfortunately, attracts finger prints.

The displays though, despite their low pixel densities are surprisingly clear. The colour reproductions and viewing angles are good as well. Samsung also touts the Reading Mode on these devices which adjusts the displays to make reading text easier on your eyes.

The software on these 2 tablets again has all the goodies that comes along with Samsung (TouchWiz) devices. Due to the large screen sizes, Multi-Window is relatively easier to use on these devices than on it’s smartphone siblings.

These devices are one of several Samsung has released with a Dropbox bonus of 50GB of cloud storage added on to your account – or added to a brand new account – for 2 years from the point at which you access said space.

Stay tuned for our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.

Images

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-Inch

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8-Inch

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July 18, 2013
Watch The Launch of the two new Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.0 Live on iGyaan

Samsung is all Set to Launch the Galaxy Tab 3.0 7 inch called the Tab 211 and the 8 inch called the tab 311 in India. The Galaxy Tab 3.0 211 comes with a Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and 600 x 1024 pixels, 7.0 inch display. Whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.0 311 comes with a 1.5-GHz Exynos 4212 and an 8 inch 1280 x 800px display.

Get Live updates from the launch below

July 18, 2013
BMW M5 Nighthawk Limited Edition Unveiled

The BMW M5 has quite a reputation in the automotive world for being one of the best performance sedans in history. For some reason, BMW felt that it could do with even more power and now we have the very limited edition BMW M5 Nighthawk.

The Bavarian automaker’s high performance ‘M’ division has managed to squeeze 15 hp more than the ‘regular’ M5 and shave off 0.1 seconds from the time for the 0-100 km/h dash. Now, maximum power output from the 4.4-liter V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine stands at a ferocious 575 hp and the car goes from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The unit also produces 680Nm of torque and comes mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission.

The M5 Nighthawk seems to built for stealth with its ‘Frozen Black’ paintjob. Other visual treats distinguishing it from the base M5 are the dark chrome kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights and matte black 20-inch alloy wheels. Door handles, four exhaust pipes and side vents also get the ominous dark chrome treatment. On the inside, you can find two-tone Merino leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim and an individually-numbered badge.

The Nighthawk offers a special ‘Competition Package’ which includes special suspension and steering settings, a sports exhaust system, lane departure warning system and an M dynamic mode setting. M carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted as standard.

Now for the bad news. Only ten of the BMW M5 Nighthawk cars will be made, and will be sold only in Japan. Unsurprisingly, they are rather expensive too at 18.2m yen (US $183k, INR 1.09Cr) for each. If there is more interest, BMW will run a lottery to find the lucky customer who gets one.

[Images source: BMW]

July 18, 2013
HTC One Mini Set To Be Launched Tomorrow

Tomorrow is sure looking like the day HTC will officially declare the existence of the much leaked HTC One Mini. On Twitter, HTC UK wrote that “We have a ‘little’ bit of news tomorrow” and showed off a corner of what looks to be the HTC One Mini and its aluminum body and plastic bezel.

We have a ‘little’ bit of news tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/UKXV59wXbs

— HTC UK (@HTC_UK) July 17, 2013

Specs of the HTC One Mini have are rumoured to sport a 4.3-inch display (1280×720 resolution), 1.4Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 4MP Ultrapixel camera, and a 1.6MP wide-angle front-facing camera. Of course, all this will be confirmed in a few short hours.

HTC will also reportedly debut a 6-inch version of its HTC One in September. Dubbed the HTC One Max, the Android handset could arrive at the same time as Samsung’s expected Galaxy Note 3 and several other near-tablet-sized phones from Sony and LG. In addition to the large displays, all of these are expected to use the same chip inside.

Rumoured specifications indicate that the HTC One Max will have a 6-inch 1080p Super LCD 3 display, 2 GB of memory, either 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage and a 3200 mAh battery. A 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 chip will power the Max.

July 18, 2013
Formula 1 Chief Ecclestone Indicted on Bribery Charges

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been indicted by German prosecutors on a bribery charge. The charge is related to a US $44 million payment to German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky of Bayern Landesbank, linked to the sale of a stake in F1.

Ecclestone has denied the bribery accusations, saying that the money was intended to stop the banker from exposing him to a UK tax inquiry. Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in jail in Munich.

I have just spoken to my lawyers and they have received an indictment. It’s being translated into English. We are defending it properly. It will be an interesting case. It’s a pity it’s happened.
– Bernie Ecclestone to the Financial Times

The charges are related to the sale of a 47% stake in Formula 1 by Bayern Landesbank to private equity group CVC Capital Partners in 2006. Gribkowsky, who was in charge of managing the sale, admitted to corruptly receiving US $41.4 million in bank commissions and a large payment via the Ecclestone family’s Bambino Trust at his trial last year. He maintained he had been paid to undervalue the Formula 1 shares, whereas Ecclestone says he believed the banker was planning to give false information to the UK authorities about his tax affairs, and paid him to keep him quiet.

Bernie Ecclestone faces a possible jail term if found guilty, which would force him to stand down as head of Formula 1, as stated by him previously. He has six weeks to respond to the indictment.

July 18, 2013
New LG G2 Leaks Indicates A Removable 2540 mAh Battery

LG is expected to launch a sequel to its venerable Optimus G smartphone on August 7th in New York. Dubbed ‘G2‘, the phone is supposed to have some of the best internal specs of any device released this year, indicating the company’s partnership with Qualcomm is alive and well.

With a 5.2-inch 1080p IPS display, a 2.3Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, a 13MP BSI camera and, newly-leaked, a 2540mAh battery, the G2 appears impressively adorned. Because the device is so thin — under 8mm if the leaks are accurate — LG has opted to include rear volume buttons, along with what appears to be a play/pause key between them.

While the LG G2 has done the normal press rendering dance in front of the cameras we have yet to see what’s under the hood. So a new screenshot, despite its weird crop job, gives us a sneak peak at what exactly lies beneath the surface. You can see the back-facing volume and power buttons, while also giving us sight of the device’s battery, which seems like it’ll be a removable one.

As a comparison we can say the Galaxy S 4 has a 2600 mAh battery and the HTC One has a 2300 mAh battery. Simply put, this LG G2 leak has the battery sitting in the middle at the moment. Alternatively, the LG Optimus G Pro is currently sporting a 3140 mAh battery. But again, we need to look towards real-world use for the end result.

If this all pans to be true, would you opt for the LG G2 just for the removable battery feature? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

[Via, Via]

July 18, 2013
New Nexus 7 To Debut Next Week, Video And Specs Leaked

The Nexus 7 sequel has been on the docket for a long time, and rumoured specifications have been floating around for months — a 7-inch 1280×800 display, a quad-core Snapdragon 600 SoC, 2GB RAM, a 1.2MP front-facing camera, 5MP rear camera, Android 4.3 — but nothing has been confirmed.

Today Google started sending out invites to a “breakfast” conference being held next week with Android head, Sundar Pichai, but Engadget got their hands on an internal OfficeMax document stating that the “new Google Nexus 7″ is also launching next week. Coincidence? Probably not.

The device is expected to launch at $229 USD for the 16GB model, increasing to $269 for the 32GB version. Not the $199 we saw the original debut at, but this is a much more powerful machine.

The more interesting info comes from Android Central, who got their hands on the device itself. “we have no idea if what we see here is a finished product, or prototype,” cautions the site, but the pics certainly look legitimate.

The only change from previously rumoured specs according to Android Central being the inclusion of 4GB of RAM (unlikely) and a slower Snapdragon S4 Pro SoC. And, of course, it will be manufactured once again by Asustek.

[youtube id=”HXrcUyCVA6c” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

The new design appears to mimic its predecessor. The Nexus insignia on the rear is similarly placed as before, as are the various buttons, rockers and ports. There are two speakers on the device, which will provide stereo sound playback and hopefully be an improvement over the original.

The design is also slightly more squared-off than last year’s model, but we can’t be sure if what we’re seeing is a prototype or a finished product.

Google is also expected to launch Android 4.3 next week, a small but important update to the current software. The existing Nexus 7, as well as the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 should receive the new version in the weeks following the announcement.

For its part, Apple is also expected to refresh its 8-inch tablet in the not-so-distant future.Recent rumors suggest that a new version of the iPad mini will launch alongside a redesigned iPad 5 this fall, though it doesn’t sound like it’ll get the Retina treatment.

What do you think of the next-gen Nexus 7 thus far?

[Via, Via]

July 18, 2013
HTC One Mini Shows Up On Chinese Certification Website

HTC are expected to announce the new HTC One Mini some time this month. Yesterday HTC started teasing the new One Mini, and now the device has turned up in the Chinese TENAA certification database.

The HTC One Mini ‘601e’ is listed with Android software and HSDPA/HSUPA data connectivity, and as expected looks an awful lot like a 4.3-inch HTC One — note the metallic back and trademark front-facing speakers. The volume rocker appears a little different to the HTC One in this image, as two separate buttons rather than a rocker. And the Mini’s LED flash has been relocated to above the camera lens.

Despite having a different name, the HTC One Mini in China and the rest of the world will differ by just one single aspect, support for TD-SCDMA network. Apart from that, we’ll be seeing the same 4.3″ HD (1280 x 720) display, 1 GB of RAM, 1.4 GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 SoC, 4MP UltraPixel camera, HTC BoomSound, 1700 mAh rated battery and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the latest Sense 5 UI.

With certifications and teasers out of the way, the official announcement can’t be too far away. There’s no info on when exactly that might happen, though.

[Via]

July 17, 2013
Mercedes Benz S63 AMG Officially Revealed

The Mercedes Benz S63 AMG has finally landed, and officially this time. Mercedes Benz gifted the world an unofficial and unintentional peek at the high performance variant of its flagship luxury sedan last month but the German automaker has now released photographs ahead of a planned public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Mercedes Benz seems to be pacifying the exteriors of its high performance AMG range of late. The 2014 CLA45 AMG and E63 AMG seemed slightly restrained as compared to earlier models, and the S63 AMG has gone down a similar route. There’s a new front apron and splitter, side sill panels with 3D inserts in silver chrome, a black rear diffuser with chrome trim and a pair of twin exhaust pipes. “Twin-turbo V8” badges along its flanks and lots of AMG badges both outside and inside more or less sum up the the features visually distinguishing it from the base “non-AMG” variants.

The list of features distinguishing it mechanically however, goes on for a while. It’s powered by the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 which is found in other big AMGs like the E63 and CLS63. The unit produces 585bhp and a massive 900Nm of torque. That makes it faster than a manual Porsche Carrera 911 4S in terms of acceleration, and that makes it properly quick. The twin-turbo engine is hand-built by one man – as is written in AMG’s rules – and comes with an aluminium crankcase, direct injection, an air-to-water intercooler, and a lightweight composite oil pan.

A new AMG sports exhaust is found in the powertrain as well. It has special flaps that automatically open and close depending on the transmission selection on the seven-speed gearbox. In ‘controlled efficiency’ mode (‘C’), they’re closed, but switch over to ‘Sport’ (‘S’) or ‘Manual’ (‘M’) and the S63 AMG may just scare the neighbourhood kids.

It will also be available as a four-wheel-drive version, the 4Matic, which will get it to 100 kmph in a blistering 4.0 seconds. In comparison the rear-wheel drive S63 AMG still gets to 100 kmph in 4.4seconds. Top speed remains limited to 250 kmph, but can be increased to 300km/h in combination with a optional driver’s package. All this has been made possible due to extensive weight-saving measures which have resulted in a kerb weight of 1995 kg for both RWD and 4WD models. That is a genuine achievement by Mercedes Benz.

A retuned version of the standard S500’s air suspension complete with Mercedes’ new ‘Magic Body Control’ system find their way on to the luxury sedan. A camera mounted within the windscreen scans the road and alters the settings of the air springs according to the conditions for maximum levels of comfort or sportiness, depending on the chosen mode. Other options for the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG include carbon ceramic brakes for the first time, a chauffeur pack, a ‘first-class’ rear suite, an air-balance pack, coloured calipers among many other expensive extras.

So what do you think of the 2014 S63 AMG? Let us know in the comments below!

[Images source: Mercedes Benz]

July 17, 2013
Volvo Pure Tension Concept has Folding Solar Pavilion

Everyday we come across concept cars which promise to change the future, but aren’t much more than a carbon fibre monocoque riding on magnesium rims. The “Pure Tension” Volvo V60 Pavilion however, is really something else.

Commissioned by Volvo Italy and the winner of the Pure Volvo Pavilion Design competition, the Pure Tension solar pavilion is an experimental creation, developed by Synthesis Design + Architecture, Buro Happold, and Fabric Images. The mysterious floating sculpture of sorts seen floating above the rendered Volvo V60 is a pavilion, like the ones erected for trade shows or outdoor events. The pavilion is a tensioned membrane structure constructed using a flexible HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) mesh skin, held in place by carbon fibre rods, which can fully collapse and fit inside the trunk of the V60 when not in use. The Pure Tension however isn’t designed to just provide shelter and look pretty while doing it; It doubles up as a power source as well.

The mesh is embedded with photovoltaic cells so that the pavilion can absorb energy from the sun or indoor lighting, making it a portable charging station. It can power itself or the V60 which aptly so, is a diesel hybrid that plugs straight into the pavilion.

According to reports, the Pure Tension Volvo V60 Pavilion concept will be shown in September in Rome. The creation however is lightyears away from being market ready, and chances of us ever seeing such a car on the road are quite small. But the Pure Tension is a great example of true innovation in the automotive industry, and is comfortable proof that the ability to think differently about the cars of the future, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

[Source: Synthesis +DNA]

July 17, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Giveaway Winners

The winner of our recently concluded Samsung Galaxy S4 giveaway is Priyanka Munjal! Congratulations! You have won yourself a brand new Samsung Galaxy S4!

The winners of the Samsung Rex 90 are as follows :

1. Sarthak Kohli

2. Ankit Sehrawat

The remaining runners up are as follows :

3. Udit Kapoor

4. Madhur Bhatnagar

5. Sathya Narayanan

6. Pritesh Panjiker

7. Devansh Arora

8. Satish Kumar

Congratulations to the remaining runners up! You have won yourselves iGyaan merchandise!

We will be contacting you all via email for verification. Meanwhile, do head over to our LG Optimus G Pro giveaway! Last few days left! Good luck!

July 17, 2013
Microsoft : Xbox One Allows Games To Be Played While Downloading

We already knew that Microsoft’s Xbox One console will allow you to play a disc-based game while it installs in the background – which is apparently required – but now it has also been confirmed that you will be able to play a game while it’s still downloading.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed with Polygon that the Xbox One will be able to play games as they download, eliminating the need to wait for dozens of gigabytes to transfer to the console before you jump in and start playing.

Sony already confirmed the convenient feature for the PS4, but this is the first time Microsoft has mentioned it.

This will certainly be a huge time saver for Xbox One gamers, especially since the games themselves will likely have large file sizes. Xbox One game discs will be based on Blu-Ray which means that the games themselves could have file sized of well over 10 GB.

The feature presumably covers Xbox Live Arcade Games, Indie Games and titles that are already available as a physical copy, dubbed ‘Games on Demand’. It’s not clear, however, whether this would cover additional downloadable content (DLC) too.

Sony’s play as you download feature will let you choose to first download the single-player or multiplayer part of the game, letting you access your favourite part faster.

[Via]

July 17, 2013
Google Maps Returns To The iPad, Updated With Indoor Navigation And Live Traffic

The big Google Maps update that hit the Android Play Store last week is now rolling out to Apple’s mobile platform. The update, which brings the app to version 2.0, contains a number of new features including iPad support and indoor maps.

Google Maps version 2.0 brings the iOS title more in line with the native Android offering, including indoor mapping and the newly released “Explore” pane.

Google Maps 2.0 for iOS includes both live traffic updates and incident reports that offer details on current traffic conditions. Unlike the Android version of the app, it does not include on-the-fly rerouting, but Google has said that it plans to add the feature in the future. The new version of Maps also offers indoor directions and maps for malls, airports, transit stations, and more.

Google Maps is currently unavailable to download in the App Store for many countries until this update is released.

As 9to5Mac reports, some users have had success downloading the new version of Google Maps by deleting their current version and downloading it from iCloud.

Google launched an overhaul of its Maps service at its IO event in May, and following that it announced an acquisition of the mobile mapping service Waze for just over $1 billion last month.

July 17, 2013
WhatsApp For iOS Reverts To Subscription Model, Adds iCloud Backup, Multi-Photo Sharing

The enormously successful mobile chat tool WhatsApp, which Apple recently listed as the 6th most popular paid app of all time, has received some major updates today.

Today, the company has issued an update with a few nice features, and have quietly removed the 99c / Rs. 60 barrier to entry, reverting to an annual subscription model of the same amount.

The paid app business model is really a vestige of an older era where developers would sell their work up-front. But over time, many paid apps have made the switch toward going free with paid features. Games really triggered this wave, but other high-usage apps like messaging have gone for a freemium strategy.

The new version also adds iCloud message backup, which allows synchronization of chat states between devices and backup and restoration of content after logging out of changing devices.

The company has also added third-party URL schemes, which allows various apps to share data to WhatsApp and vice versa, and users can now send multiple messages to an individual or group (much needed!).

While this isn’t the visual overhaul many users were hoping for, it’s a great update nonetheless.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular cross platform messaging services out there. It recently announced that the service has over 250 million monthly active users, not to mention the fact that WhatsApp handles more than 27 billion messages every single day.

July 17, 2013